What to Use

Wright's Stainless Steel Polish ($2.75, 800-922-2625 for store locations).

What to Know

Stainless steel is aptly named — it rarely has to be polished. And it's the only metal that can go in the dishwasher, as long as the entire piece is stainless. Do not put a sterling-handled knife with a stainless blade in the dishwasher.

Useful Tips

Waxy polishes can leave a film on stainless steel, so use a nonwaxy polish, like Wright's, or Palmolive or a similar phosphate-free dish soap. Do not finish a teapot with a waxy protectant. Heat will melt it, and you'll have rank-tasting, gummy tea.